Sikkim honours democratic soldiers of 1973 uprising

Gangtok, May 16 (UNI) Sikkim today paid rich tributes to the 1973 pro-demoracy forces, that led to the erstwhile Chogyal kingdom becoming the 22nd state of India on this day.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling unveiled a life size statue of Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsherpa, the man who led the movement, at Chintan Bhawan here during the 34th State Day celebrations.

It was on May 16, 1975 that the Himalayan kingdom held a referendum that favoured its merger with India thus making it a full fledged state under the chief-ministership of Mr Kazi.

Mr Chamling also posthumously awarded the L D Kazi award for Democratic Movement to late Birka Bahadur Gurung, who sacrificed his life in the 1973 uprising. The award carried a citation and a cheque of Rs one lakh.

''Mr Kazi contribution was immense for Sikkim and we must take inspiration from him. Credit for today's developed Sikkim goes to him and his democratic soldiers,'' Mr Chamling added.